The Best Places to Camp at the Top National Parks in the U.S.
Delicate Arch is the iconic natural formation at Arches National Park in Utah. You can see this and many more fascinating things when you visit. (Photo by Kelly McDaniel)
Summer is just around the corner, and America’s beautiful national parks will be filling up again with travelers who love to get outdoors to enjoy hiking, camping and spotting the wildflowers and wild animals.
We’ve got your guide for where you can go, what to do and where to stay at the most popular national parks in the U.S.
1. Yellowstone National Park
This is America's first national park. Located mainly in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across 2.2 million acres and sits on a dormant volcano. It is well known for its diverse wilderness and fascinating geothermal features.
Where to Camp Near Yellowstone
RedRock RV Park: RedRock RV Park in Island Park, Idaho, is 22 miles from Yellowstone National Park, providing a perfect base camp near the park's west side.
Yellowstone Hot Springs: Eight miles from the North entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Hot Springs offers a mineral-rich pool water-soaking experience. Don't miss these views -- this campground was a 2022 Campspot Awards Winner in Top Views.
2. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located along Maine’s rugged coastline. It has rocky shorelines, towering granite peaks and green forests. You can hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast, for breathtaking sunrises and panoramic views of the surrounding islands and coastline.
Where to Camp Near Acadia National Park
Hadley's Point Campground: A 2023 Campspot Awards Winner for Best Campgrounds for Couples, this family-friendly park minutes from Acadia and Bar Harbor offers proximity to a public saltwater beach, relaxation among the pines and comfortable accommodations.
Wild Acadia Camping Resort: This campground is the perfect base camp for active travelers, with two 300-feet waterslides (among other water park amenities), a climbing wall and a forest-themed ropes course.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. It's America's most visited national park (with more than 12 million annual visitors).
Where to Camp Near Great Smoky Mountains
Mountaineer Campground: A 2024 Campspot Award Winner for Top Small Campgrounds, Mountaineer Campground offers peaceful, shaded campsites (tent, RV or cabins) right by a pretty river.
Greenbrier Campground: Located less than half a mile from the Greenbrier entrance to the park, this campground is a three-time 2024 Campspot Awards winner: Top Campgrounds in the U.S., Top Midsize Campgrounds and Top Campgrounds for Fishing.
4. Yosemite National Park
Visitors to Yosemite are awe-struck by iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. The park boasts more than 800 miles of trails winding through ancient forests, alpine meadows and rugged terrain.
Where to Camp Near Yosemite National Park
Indian Flat RV Park is the closest campground to Yosemite National Park on Highway 140, making it the perfect base for your Yosemite adventures. Choose from various RV sites, tent sites or tent cabins, and check out the on-site gift shop and outdoor pool.
5. Grand Teton National Park
One of the most popular national parks among campers, Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming and just 10 miles from Yellowstone National Park (to which it's also connected).
Where to Camp Near Grand Teton
Yellowstone Trail RV Park: RVers can park up here on the way to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, with full hookups with mountain views. (The campground is in the Wind River Mountain Range.)
6. Rocky Mountain National Park
This park, the gem of the Rockies, spans the Continental Divide, showcasing majestic mountains, alpine tundra and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore more than 350 miles of hiking while spotting elk, moose, bighorn sheep and other wildlife.
Where to Camp Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Winding River Resort: Pick a campsite in the beauty of the park and Arapaho National Forest. From here, you can enjoy horseback riding, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing and water sports nearby. Don't miss the on-site animal farm.
7. Arches National Park
Located in southeastern Utah, Arches is renowned for its iconic sandstone formations, including towering spires and otherworldly rock formations. With more than 2,000 natural stone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, the park boasts the largest concentration of natural arches in the world.
Where to Camp Near Arches National Park
Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway: Whether relaxing in the hot tub, visiting the dog park, or playing mini-golf, you'll soak in the views of the park. This campground offers cabin rentals, RV sites and tent camping for a comfortable stay.
8. Glacier National Park
Nestled in Montana near the Canadian border, Glacier National Park earns its nickname as the "Crown of the Continent." Spanning more than 1 million acres filled with wildlife, the park offers sights of two mountain ranges, glacial-carved valleys, more than 700 lakes and the glaciers people come to see.
Where to Camp Near Glacier National Park
Mountain Meadow RV Park & Cabins: This premier campground is loacted nine miles from Glacier National Park's west entrance. Choose from various accommodations and enjoy 33 acres of forest park, laundry room and showers, complimentary Wi-Fi and a stocked trout pond.
9. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, Utah's first national park, is an iconic desert oasis known for its stunning views through narrow slot canyons and along verdant riverbanks. It consistently ranks among the country's top national parks.
Where to Camp Near Zion National Park
Dark Sky RV Campground: This place offers full-service RV and luxury van sites with stunning views of Red Cliffs, Vermillion Cliffs and Kaibab Plateau. You’ll love the fantastic sunrises, sunset and starry skies here.
Hitch-N-Post RV Park: Just 30 miles from Zion National Park, this Kanab, Utah, RV campground offers shady campsites, comfortable amenities and patio games for kids of all ages.
10. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is named for the majestic curve of the Rio Grande. Known as “Texas' gift to the nation," the park features diverse ecosystems -- from desert scrublands to mountains, river valleys and vibrant canyons.
Where to Camp Near Big Bend
Roadrunner Travelers Campground: Located in Terlingua, this campground is a short drive from Big Bend National Park. RV guests can enjoy excellent views of Bee Mountain and stargazing in the Dark Skies Region.
Maverick Ranch RV Park: Nestled with Quiet Canyon, the Maverick Ranch RV Park at Lajitas Golf Resort is a perfect basecamp for your Big Bend RV adventure. Enjoy luxurious amenities like the spa, golf club and horseback trail rides.
11. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks stretches 42 miles along Lake Superior's Michigan coast in the Upper Peninsula. Named for the colorful mineral stains streaking its sandstone cliffs (15 miles long), the park features waterfalls, dunes, lakes, forests and coves.
Where to Camp Near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Munising Tourist Park Campground: This city-owned campground sits on the shores of Lake Superior, putting you close to plenty of adventure opportunities.
Woodland Park Campground: On Lake Superior, Woodland Park Campground offers a good spot for your Pictured Rocks adventures. It is located near the Grand Marais marina and whitefish sport fishing for additional activities.
12. Sequoia National Park
Situated in California's southern Sierra Nevada mountains, this national park boasts towering sequoias, including the famous General Sherman Tree. Sequoia is known for its forests, waterfalls and crystal-clear streams.
Where to Camp Near Sequoia National Park
Camp Ikigai at Ikigai Animal Sanctuary offers campers a unique experience. When not exploring Sequoia National Park, you can enjoy mushroom hunting, bird watching, rock collecting, bike tours and the animal sanctuary.
13. Grand Canyon National Park
Carved by the Colorado River, the legendary Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles, revealing layers of rock dating back billions of years. Its towering cliffs, deep gorges and vibrant colors amaze visitors.
This is an incredibly picturesque destination with all kinds of hiking opportunities.
Where to Camp Near Grand Canyon National Park
Woody Mountain Campground: Choose from spacious pull-through sites, tent camping or cozy bed-and-breakfast hotel room -- just minutes from downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, where you'll find numerous restaurants, breweries and opportunities to shop.
14. Mammoth Cave National Park
The park is located in south-central Kentucky and features a stunning underground cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park boasts the world's longest-known cave system, with more than 400 miles of passageways and chambers.
Where to Camp Near Mammoth Cave National Park
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Mammoth Cave: A 2023 Campspot Awards Winner for Best Campgrounds for Families, Jellystone is minutes from Mammoth Cave and offers tent, RV, lodge or camper camping.
15. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
On Lake Michigan's northern shores, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features the iconic Sleeping Bear Dune, which rises 450 feet above the lake.
Where to Camp Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Leelanau Pines Campground: Enjoy lakefront camping at this family-friendly campground on Lake Leelanau near Traverse City.
16. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore are the larger-than-life sculptures of four iconic U.S. presidents, symbolizing national pride, unity, democracy, freedom and leadership. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, embodies America's spirit with its memorials to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson.
Where to Camp Near Mount Rushmore
Black Hills Trailside Park Resort: This campground is 10 minutes from Mount Rushmore and within walking distance of downtown Hill City, offering attractions, restaurants and shops at your doorstep.
Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort: Located near Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park, Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort offers diverse accommodations, including RV spots, cabins, a 14-room lodge and luxury sites.
17. Joshua Tree National Park
Named after the iconic Joshua trees that dot the landscape, Joshua Tree also is renowned for its granite formations and stargazing opportunities under clear Californian desert skies.
Where to Camp Near Joshua Tree National Park
Coachella Lakes RV Resort: For luxury amenities and lodging rentals in the desert, consider Coachella Lakes RV Resort, with five lakes, two outdoor pools, three spas, indoor and outdoor exercise facilities, an 18-hole putting course and food trucks.
18. Shenandoah National Park
This park covers over 200,000 acres along the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is mainly forested and features waterfalls, peaks and wetlands. Numerous hiking trails wind through woodlands and along the famous Skyline Drive.
Where to Camp Near Shenandoah National Park
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Luray: This 73-acre campground resort is a short drive from Shenandoah National Park. You can enjoy the camp’s water zone, golf course, arcade, pedal boats and more.
Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River: Whether you prefer RV parking, cabins or stylish Airstreams, this premier resort by the Shenandoah River offers modern amenities and exciting activities. Enjoy waterslides, pickleball courts, RC car tracks and BMX tracks.
19. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas has attracted visitors for centuries with its rejuvenating thermal springs. Explore Bathhouse Row, an elegant bathhouse built in the early 20th century, and enjoy traditional spa treatments and thermal baths.
Where to Camp Near Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs Off-Road Park: This campground combines a relaxing soak with opportunities for adrenaline-pumping off-roading adventures. A 1,250-acre trail system provides day-use trail passes, memberships, guides and side-by-side rentals for an unforgettable off-roading experience.
20. Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood is located along the northern California coast. The park is home to ancient, towering redwoods and lush coastal forests boasting some of the tallest trees on Earth. The iconic Hyperion, which stands at least 379 feet tall, is featured. Visitors can walk among giants on hiking trails, enjoying scenic rivers and pristine coastal habitats.
Where to Camp Near Redwood National Park
Riverside RV Park: Campers can relax after their Redwood National Park adventure at Riverside RV Park, situated by the Klamath River. Activities include fishing, boating, rafting, hiking and kayaking. This park offers easy access to False Klamath Cove, blackberry picking and the Redwood Hotel & Casino.
This article was created in collaboration with campsite booking and listing platform Campspot.